By Verghese V Joseph –
Clericalism, a hierarchical structure entrenched within religious institutions, has long been a subject of concern within the Catholic Church worldwide, including in India. This systemic issue, characterised by the undue elevation of clergy and the exclusion of lay members from decision-making processes, undermines the Church’s mission of service and equality.
In recent years, instances of clerical abuse power imbalances, and lack of accountability have prompted a critical reevaluation of the Church’s internal dynamics. In India, where Catholicism has a rich history and plays a significant role in society, addressing clericalism is imperative for fostering a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable religious community. Let me highlight the complexities of clericalism within the Indian Catholic Church and offer my two-piece strategies to keep it in check.
To begin with, the Indian Catholic Church, with its diverse cultural, linguistic, and social landscape, presents a unique environment where clericalism manifests in various forms. Historically, the hierarchical structure of the Church, inherited from colonial times, has contributed to the concentration of power among clergy members, often at the expense of lay participation and empowerment. Moreover, cultural norms that emphasise deference to authority figures further reinforce clericalism, perpetuating a culture of obedience and passivity among the laity.
One of the primary challenges associated with clericalism in India is the lack of transparency and accountability within the Church hierarchy. Decision-making processes are often centralised, with little to no consultation with the broader community. This opacity has led to a disconnect between the clergy and the faithful, fostering a sense of alienation and distrust among lay members. Furthermore, the hierarchical structure has created an environment where abuses of power go unchecked, perpetuating cycles of exploitation and marginalisation.
To address clericalism effectively, the Indian Catholic Church must undertake comprehensive reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. The following strategies offer a roadmap for fostering a more equitable and participatory religious community:
Promoting Lay Empowerment: Empowering lay members to actively participate in decision-making processes is essential for countering clericalism. The Church should prioritise initiatives that promote lay leadership, such as lay pastoral councils and parish assemblies, where lay voices are heard and respected. Additionally, providing opportunities for lay training and education in theology and pastoral care can equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the Church’s mission.
Strengthening Accountability Mechanisms: Establishing robust accountability mechanisms is crucial for holding clergy members accountable for their actions and ensuring transparency in governance. This includes implementing clear protocols for reporting and addressing instances of misconduct, as well as conducting regular audits of financial and administrative practices. Independent review boards, comprising both clergy and lay experts, can help oversee these processes and provide impartial oversight.
Cultivating a Culture of Dialogue and Collaboration: Fostering a culture of dialogue and collaboration is essential for breaking down hierarchical barriers and promoting mutual respect and understanding within the Church. Encouraging open communication channels between clergy and laity, as well as promoting interfaith dialogue and collaboration with other religious communities, can help cultivate a spirit of solidarity and cooperation.
Emphasising Servant Leadership: Reaffirming the principles of servant leadership is fundamental for countering the narcissistic tendencies associated with clericalism. Church leaders should lead by example, prioritising humility, compassion, and service to others over personal ambition or power. Emphasising the vocation of all baptised Christians to serve one another can help shift the focus from hierarchy to community and foster a more egalitarian ethos within the Church.
Addressing Structural Inequalities: Addressing structural inequalities within the Church, including issues of gender discrimination and caste-based discrimination, is essential for dismantling systems of privilege and exclusivity. Promoting gender equality in leadership positions, supporting initiatives that empower marginalised communities, and actively challenging discriminatory practices can help create a more inclusive and just Church.
Engaging in Continuous Reflection and Renewal: Finally, fostering a culture of continuous reflection and renewal is essential for maintaining momentum in the fight against clericalism. The Church should encourage ongoing dialogue and discernment at all levels, inviting feedback from the faithful and remaining open to criticism and constructive feedback. Embracing a spirit of humility and openness to change can help the Church adapt to evolving societal dynamics and remain faithful to its mission of proclaiming the Gospel.
In conclusion, mitigating clericalism within the Indian Catholic Church is a complex and multifaceted endeavour that requires sustained commitment and collaboration from clergy, laity, and Church leaders alike. By promoting lay empowerment, strengthening accountability mechanisms, cultivating a culture of dialogue and collaboration, emphasising servant leadership, addressing structural inequalities, and engaging in continuous reflection and renewal, the Church can take significant strides towards fostering a more inclusive, transparent, and accountable religious community. Only by working together can the Indian Catholic Church fulfil its mission of bearing witness to the love and justice of God in the world.
There are adequate provisions in Canon Law for Pastoral Councils and Finance Committees, but they are observed in the breach. If you have a good bishop/ parish priest he will function regardless of canonical provisions. However, if you have insensitive ones then no amount of Canon Law or Synods will have any impact on them. Their non-implementation is evidence enough of their attitude towards the people.
I tell people that an industrialist will never tell his workers about their rights. They need to assert them. As Dr Ambedkar says “Knowledge is a power”. Since our laity is ignorant it remains subservient. Lay leaders have to take the initiative themselves, only then will things change.
With due respect to the writer I wish to convey my views:
1) What the writer is suggesting are “first-aids” to address some of the symptoms.
2) The deep-rooted disease must be diagnosed and treated.
3) Did Jesus found a religion? No.
4) Jesus always said to his disciples, “Come, follow me”. Jesus is a person to be followed.
5) The church history proves that a religion was started in the name of the poor carpenter’s son Jesus of Nazareth.
6) Jesus was converted into an “object of worship”. Sacraments, ceremonies, rituals, rules and laws were established/prepared to “commercialize Jesus”.
7) Clerical group became “religious brokers”.
8) A real estate broker promotes a business involving land/sites/buildings. Similarly, clerical group promotes religious business involving God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit).
9) This religious business is well established globally. The top promotor of the business is clerical group and the buyers are the simple laity.
10) Long back Karl Marx said, “Religion is the opium of the people”. He said it rightly.
11) Today every religion, including Christianity, has become opium of the people.
12) The commercialization of God and religion have been criticized in many Hindi films as well as in regional language films. One such film is “Mookuthi Amman” in Tamil. The film portrays how a religion, a religious centre and God are promoted as commercial commodities. And the clergy/pujari/guru are depicted as religious brokers.
Having said all the above, I wish to state that “clericalism will stay as it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be”. Do I sound pessimist? Maybe! We know that many historical revolutions have taken place in the past. Similarly, a great revolution followed by a revival must take place in the Catholic Church.
Clerical abuse including financial corruption is a heady concoction of power and money. Power comes from heading various Church-run institutions, both educational and health care. Money comes from regular income generated therefrom. From the aura of these heads it appears they operate as parallel or even separate power centers not necessarily under the control of the bishops heading the dioceses.
There is a an urgent need to put in place a financial control mechanism with various checks and balances. A well-knit Parish Finance Committee (PFC) – separate from the Diocesan Finance Committees which are 99.9% manned by bishops and clergy – is one way. But almost all PFC members are handpicked by Parish Priests not necessarily on their financial/accounting acumen. Also PFCs are not privy to all receipts (especially overseas / FCRA donations) and payments. As mentioned, church-run institutions operate as parallel power centers thanks to their money power. They do not report their income & expenses to the PFC of their respective parishes. The whole accounting relationship of these institutions with their respective bishop is opaque and not known to the Laity in general. No wonder members of the Laity are called “sheep!”
Clerical abuse (financial and resultant sexual) can only be arrested/ considerably curtailed through a water-tight financial management system / MIS manned by knowledgeable lay members of high integrity and not by those lay members who are on several parish/diocesan committees. There should be a provision for a look at the accounts (including those of church-run institutes) at regular intervals, say each quarter, on specific dates.
In this respect, the closure by the Ministry of Home Affairs, of the FCRA accounts of several church-run NGOs though very sad, is not surprising at all.
Even several Catholic lay organisations are not clean in their operations.